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For the most part, I'm over zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, the genre seems mostly exhausted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated turning out remarkably enjoyable.

Excellent Pacing and Personal Development

Among this movie's strongest assets is its excellent pacing. It kicks off with a striking initial scene where a calm family gathering gets suddenly interrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.

In contrast to many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother whose ex close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—a clearly awkward situation. This has understandably caused a rift between the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet a bit inept socially, and he enjoys gaming alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family head is her dad, who runs a popular herbal remedy business called Wani Waras, and who seems to care about just two things: his business and his wife to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly overlooked this was a horror film—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general dysfunction. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents individuals just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir doesn't treat its cast as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things eventually deteriorate.

Evocative of Parasite

The opening sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions actually evoke the movie Parasite, a story which disguises itself like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid comedy prior to making a sudden shift into "holy shit" territory. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor compared to Parasite, yet The Elixir nonetheless gives sufficient opportunity to immerse in the setting before it gets upended.

Unique Zombification Origin

The film additionally presents a fairly intriguing explanation for the source of the spreading transformation. Rather than an accidental lab leak or some sort of biological weapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by Nes' father. Although we do learn a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional focus on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal potion that appears to contain an extremely infectious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the effect this condition has on people is absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This is a daring choice, but it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.

Capable Personalities

Even better than the gross-out scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious decision-making (like any typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with whatever heavy object is available instead of standing still like prey caught in lights while danger approaches.

Realistic Familial Strike

The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus on family conflict once individuals begin transforming to the undead, this proved a welcome realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and values her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she's still clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they decide over the phone to meet up at a close location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable because the film avoids attempting to promote the notion that a near-death experience immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments when these characters express appreciation toward one another feel much more sincere.

Predictable Conclusion

Despite The Elixir's best attempts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly a bit stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound message regarding relatives or community, as well. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and since the film gives each character sufficient space to grow and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining